Glen Orchy Corbetts

The Corbetts on either side of Glen Orchy are quiet hills overshadowed in all directions by higher and more impressive ranges.
Astute hill-walkers will quicky therefore realise what views that must be offered by these hills on clear days !

Main route summary

Beinn Ulaidh and Beinn Bhreac-liath form a circuit accessed either from Glen Orchy to the north, or more readily Glen Lochy to the south.

The quartzite dyke running northwards down Beinn Bhreac-liath is most impressive and there's gold in there !

Beinn Mhic Mhonaidh is a grass covered hill surrounded by forestry, fortunately good tracks enable quick and easy access to the foothills.

Glen Orchy runs from Bridge of Orchy on the A82 to Dalmally on the A85.
A narrow road follows the River Orchy through the glen.

Parking for Beinn Bhreac-liath and Beinn Ulaidh is by a bridge over the Allt Ghamhnain and next to a gate accessing the thick adjacent forest.

Parking for the route up Beinn Mhic Mhonaidh is by the bridge at the Eas Urchaidh, or alternatively 100 metres to the north in a layby.

Beinn Bhreac-liath

From by the bridge over the Allt Ghamhnain, cross north and walk until a gate is met.

Head through the gate and up a track towards the house at Invergaunan.

As the house is approached, look for a faint path heading to the base of the hill directly ahead.
The path gradually fades into the grass.

On pathless terrain the going underfoot is pleasant on the flatter ground.

Continue up the north-west shoulder of Beinn Bhreac-laith and as the 700m contour is reached, the ground levels out and it's an enjoyable walk continuing to the summit while enjoying the views, particularly back towards Beinn Dorain.

A few false summits are passed to reach a small cairn marking the hill's summit.
Fine views in all directions.

Beinn Ulaidh

From Beinn Bhreac-liath's summit, turn south-west and drop on grass and rush covered gentle slope to the bealach below with its small lochan.

Continue south-west and begin to climb.
Easy at first, the route then appears to initially curve around some rocks, but a faint path can be found to clamber over them.

Head northwards on the plateau and a large cairn with the remains of an abandoned mast are met on the summit.

Return

Head northwards for a bit, then start to lose height.

Some large rocks protruding out of the otherwise grass covered slopes will be encountered.
These rocky outcrops form the quartzite dyke that can been seen from the north forming a long unusual line up Beinn Ulaidh's northern shoulder.
Contained in the rock is a tiny amount of gold (click here for more info) !

Follow this line of rock downhill to meet the Allt Ghamhnain, then head north-west through grass and trees back to the road.

Beinn Mhic Mhonaidh
Fine forestry tracks lead up from Glen Orchy to this grass covered hill with fine views

Ascent

775m (2,550ft)

Distance

12km (7.5m)

Time

walk : 4:30hr

Terrain

easy

difficult

Nav

easy

testing

Effort

stroll

long day

Scenery

ok

stunning

li>On the B8074, 6km south-west of the bridge over the Allt Ghamhnain, the River Orchy flows rapidly through a narrow gap and over slabs called Eas Urchaidh.
The route to Beinn Mhic Monaidh starts from this point and heads over the river via a girder bridge.

Ignore the bothy beyond the bridge and head northwards up a decent track.

Climbing gradually, the track begins to turn west and comes to a clearing then a junction with a sign pointing northwards to a mountain-bike trail and the direction for mountain ascent.

Heading in the marked direction, a bridge is crossed, then a sharp left-turn takes you to the base of a steep track - ignore this track and keep on a fainter path on level ground.

Another sign points the route into theforest, which crosses a minor burn, then heads uphill following a tall deer-fence.
Further on, the track becomes a well defined path and reaches a stile over the fence that marks the forest boundary.

Once crossed, a faint path is followed through grass and rush aiming northwards, directly for Beinn Mhic Monaidh's summit.
A small cairn sits on the summit and fine views can be enjoyed on clear days.

We don't have any guided events up the Orchy Corbetts currently on our calendar of regular events.
If you would like a bespoke day or two hiking over these peaks, we would be delighted to organise something for you and your group.
Check out our Bespoke Guiding page for more information.